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While heavy-duty pickups pack a lot of gear, they also can be customized to perform a number of duties. This quail rig, designed by South Texas Outfitters, has high-bed seats as well as seats in front that double for safari-style deer hunting. JOHN GOODSPEED/SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

By John Goodspeed
Special to the Express-News

The No. 2 way to get into a long-winded discussion around the campfire, next to the best rifle cartridge, is to talk about the ultimate hunting vehicle.

The answer to both is easy: It all depends.

Decades ago, when the .30-06 was king, there were few choices for what to drive. The family sedan pulled double duty, like when President Lyndon Johnson just lashed a deer to the hood of his 1949 Cadillac convertible.

Today, though, like the plethora of short-magnum cartridges, there are plenty of ways to bring home the bacon — pickups, SUVs, ATVs and utility vehicles from numerous manufacturers in a variety of configurations with a mind-boggling array of aftermarket goodies.

It all boils down to where and how you hunt — and your budget.

Do you sit in a blind off a nice ranch road or do you bust brush and cross rugged ravines?

Will the vehicle be a dedicated hunting machine or a daily driver?

What do you need it to do?

Answer those questions, and plenty more can follow.

“There are a lot of differences when you compare a truck to a Suburban- or Tahoe-style enclosed vehicle, a Polaris Ranger or a four-wheeler,” said Jay Robertson, who works with everything as owner of South Texas Outfitters, a respected off-road customizing company.

Veteran hunters often use a combination of these vehicles, expanding and customizing as needs arise and budget permits.

“We’ve come a long way in this sport, and it keeps going,” Robertson said. “We’re putting full bars into hunting vehicles so they can serve cocktails on the go and designing vehicles with pull-out tables and chairs so they can have lunch. It’s getting more elaborate every day.”

John Goodspeed is a freelance outdoors writer and photographer. Email john@johngoodspeed.com.

WHAT’S YOUR PLEASURE?

A look at the pros and cons of the most common types of hunting vehicles:

Pickup

Pros: Daily driver or dedicated vehicle. Enclosed cab. Open bed for large or messy items. Versatile. Endless customization, including raised hunting seats in bed. “If you have a frame at the ranch or lease, you can lift the seats off with a winch and drive home,” said Jay Robertson of South Texas Outfitters. Bargains for used ones with rough bodies in sound mechanical condition.

Pros: Venerated daily driver or dedicated vehicle. “Jeeps have sex appeal. People love them,” Robertson said. “That’s why Jeeps have so much staying power over the years and they retain their value.” Open or enclosed. Windshield folds down for visibility and huntability. Short wheelbase. Versatile. Infinitely customizable. “You can pull stuff off and take it to the beach,” Robertson said. Easy to trailer. Used bargains if rough.

Pros: Easy to get into. Seats two to six, depending on model. Shorter wheelbase than Jeep and more maneuverable. Good visibility and huntability. Easier to trailer. Easier to hide in brush. Dump bed. Versatile. Lots of customization. Less expensive than on-road type vehicles. “If people see a need for them, they really like them,” Robertson said.

Cons: Dedicated vehicle. Lacks Jeep’s heater, air-conditioning and towing power. Not as comfortable or versatile as pickup or Jeep.

Cons: Dedicated vehicle. Carries two at most. Exposed to elements. Limited ability to haul gear. Difficult to load and carry big game. “You almost have to go back and get another vehicle if you kill a deer,” Robertson said.

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News and information on hunting, archery and fishing in South and Central Texas. Boating, lake level and river level information provided for Braunig Lake, Lake Calaveras, Canyon Lake, Medina Lake and others. Whitetail deer and turkey season information and tips.